What’s the best eSIM for digital nomads? For me, the answer is simple: Holafly. In addition to their regular eSIMs, Holafly now offers Holafly Plans that make staying connected even easier. With Holafly Plans, you don’t need to get a new eSIM for each country you visit—you can stay connected and even have the option of unlimited data. But that’s not the only reason Holafly stands out.
Let’s dive into what makes this the best eSIM option for digital nomads.
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Why Digital Nomads and Remote Workers Need Reliable Connectivity
Digital nomads move differently from the average traveler. You’re not just sightseeing for a week, you’re living, working, and moving through multiple countries a year. Every time you cross a border, you’re switching networks, dealing with new providers, and hoping your data works when you need it most.
For years, I bought local SIM cards in every country I landed in. It worked… until it didn’t. I once topped up a SIM in Indonesia, only to find out later that the SIM had expired. I realized this in the middle of a very remote area, with poor wifi, daily power outages, and work piling up. That’s when I understood how essential it is to have a backup that works instantly, anywhere.
At the end of the day, having an eSIM gives you peace of mind. You get an immediate connection, predictable coverage, and less time wasted searching for reliable local SIMs. When your income and work depend on staying connected, this isn’t just convenient; it’s non-negotiable.
So, knowing that eSIMs can save you so much time and money, let’s talk about why Holafly becomes the best eSIM for digital nomads.
The Biggest Challenges Digital Nomads Face With Connectivity
One of the biggest challenges digital nomads face is staying connected. I’ve lost clients and turned down jobs in the past because of inconsistent wifi and poor connections. That’s why having plenty of hotspot data is essential. I’ve lived on remote islands and in big cities where my hotspot became my only source of internet, so making sure you have reliable data is critical.
I’ve also got that classic baggy full of SIM cards. I’ve saved so many over the years, thinking I could just reload them when I returned to a country. But many tourist SIMs expire, so you have to buy a new one each time. That’s exactly what happened to me in Indonesia: my 30-day SIM expired while I was staying for 60 days, and I had to buy a completely new one.
Honestly, this is why having an eSIM has become such a game-changing remote work travel hack. All the frustration with local SIM cards can be eliminated with a single, reliable eSIM provider.
What to Look For in an eSIM When You Travel Full-Time
Not all eSIMs are created equal, and this can make it tricky to choose the best eSIM for digital nomads or remote workers. Key things to look for include:
- Coverage across multiple countries, especially if traveling in regions like Europe.
- Unlimited vs. pay-per-GB data models.
- Partner networks (eSIMs rely on local carriers to provide coverage.)
Pro tip: If an eSIM provider doesn’t disclose which local carrier they’re using, be cautious. Some carriers have better coverage in certain regions. For example, when I traveled to Malaysian Borneo, I had to make sure my SIM from mainland Malaysia would work there. A quick Reddit search usually does the trick.
Other factors to consider:
- Hotspot allowances
- Ease of setup (app vs QR code)
- Customer support
- Automatic renewals or multi-country plans
A Quick Breakdown of the Most Popular eSIM Options
I’ve done a more detailed comparison in another post (you can read that here), but here’s a quick overview of the biggest players in the eSIM world:
Airalo
Airalo is budget-friendly and works well for travelers who don’t need much data. They operate on a pay-per-GB model, which is great for backpackers or short trips. I’ve used them in Europe, and the connection was solid, but if you need hotspot data or spend hours online, topping up can get expensive fast.
Saily
Saily offers plans similar to Holafly, but they’re more expensive. Created by the same team behind NordVPN, they prioritize privacy, which is great when connecting to sketchy airport or hotel wifi. But for the price, you can get even more data from Holafly (a must when you work remotely).
Ubigi
Ubigi is straightforward and transparent about exactly how much data you’re getting and which partners provide coverage. They offer a mix of pay-per-GB and unlimited options for some countries. They’re not the most budget-friendly, and their user experience feels slightly dated, but you know exactly what you’re getting.
Holafly
Finally, Holafly. As someone who travels and works full-time, this is easily one of the best eSIM choices for digital nomads and remote workers. Holafly Plans let you stay connected all year, with worldwide coverage, hotspot access, and predictable monthly costs. Their Unlimited Plan is the best I’ve found, and you can get 10% off your first year using code JUSTYNJEN.
Why Holafly Plans Work Especially Well for Digital Nomads
Holafly Plans solves the biggest challenge for remote workers: reliable connection everywhere.
- 25GB or unlimited data (hotspot included)
- Worldwide coverage in a single plan (160 destinations)
- No need to buy a new eSIM every time you cross a border
- 24/7 human support for any connection issues
It’s also easy to budget: one monthly cost, just like your SafetyWing insurance or Netflix subscription. Data becomes “set it and forget it,” freeing you to focus on work and travel.
How I Use Holafly When Traveling Full-Time
Hotspot data is crucial for me. I’ve stayed in hotels with power outages or weak wifi, and sometimes cafes or coworking spaces don’t have reliable internet. With Holafly hotspot data, I can work wherever I am.
Having data when you land is equally important. Airports often have limited wifi and pricey transport options. For example, Manila Airport has almost no wifi between terminals, and taxis charge up to $30 USD for a 10-minute ride. With Holafly, I can order a Grab immediately and avoid overpaying, even when local SIM options are complicated or require a local ID to register.
Who Holafly Is Best For (And Who It’s Not)
Best for:
- Digital nomads
- Remote workers
- Full-time travelers
- Content creators
- People moving through multiple countries.
Not ideal for:
- Super short trips
- Minimal data users
- Travelers who only need 1–2GB
If you’re taking a short vacation or only need minimal data, a regular Holafly eSIM may be sufficient. Holafly Plans are overkill in these cases.
How to Choose the Right Holafly Plan
- Single-country trips: Choose a country-specific eSIM.
- Multi-country trips: Opt for a regional or Holafly Plan to avoid swapping eSIMs.
- Data needs: Remote workers should prioritize more data; casual travelers can save money with smaller packages.
Holafly makes setup simple, with an easy-to-use app and human support when you need it.
Having an eSIM can save time, frustration, and money when traveling. For remote workers and digital nomads, a Holafly Plan is the ultimate travel hack in 2026. A reliable connection is what makes life on the road sustainable, and Holafly makes it simple.
If you want to save a bit on your next eSIM, use code JUSTYNJEN for 5% off any Holafly eSIM or 10% off Holafly Plans.
